2015 Virginia Tech Opponent Q&A Preview: Purdue

Between now and fall practice, we're going to take a walk through the 2015 Hokies schedule and preview each opponent with the people that follow them every day. We will be taking a look back at last season and spring practice, as well as attempting to forecast the year ahead.

On September 19th, the Hokies and Purdue Boilermakers will clash in West Lafayette, Indiana for the first time ever. Third year head coach Darrell Hazell is looking to improve on back-to-back last place Big Ten West finishes, including a 3-9 record a year ago. In an effort to better understand how the Boilermakers offseason has gone and learn some more about a relatively unknown opponent, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Carmin of the Lafayette Journal & Courier.

As the Boilermakers prepare for Year Three of the Darrell Hazell Experiment, how hot is Hazell's seat heading into the fall, and how has it affected the team's recruiting efforts?

Every seat is hot in college football, isn't it? Some are warmer than others. I don't get the sense that this is a make-or-break year for Hazell. Yes, the program needs to win more but they need to play meaningful games in November and have a chance at a bowl game. In order to do that, Purdue has to have a good September. From a recruiting standpoint, Purdue faces its share of challenges because of its location and where they stack up in the Big Ten, regardless of its record.

Hokies fans are somewhat familiar with Purdue OC John Shoop's system from his time in Chapel Hill. With that being said, what can the Virginia Tech offense and defense expect to encounter from a system-standpoint when they meet in West Lafayette this fall?

Shoop is trying to change things up a little bit and use more uptempo. During the spring, the offense used five different speeds — slow to hyper fast. They're not trying to be like Oregon, but they're trying to create their own identity and create favorable matchups on the perimeter. Purdue needs to stretch the field more in the passing game, but it has lacked playmakers at the receiver position and the play of the quarterback has been underwhelming at times. Last year, Purdue used a lot of two tight end formations because it had experience there. But that is no longer a strength. Look for more four- or five-receiver and one-back sets in 2015.

What is your assessment of Elite 11 Alum and redshirt junior quarterback Austin Appleby? Does he look to have the make-up to help propel this team forward as part of the rebuilding effort?

Appleby exited spring as the No. 1 quarterback, even if Hazell didn't say it. Coming out of spring, it was pretty clear the starting job will come down to either Appleby or David Blough. Junior Danny Etling has announced he's going to transfer, but I don't think that changes the landscape at the position. Appleby started the last seven games in 2014 and had success early, but opponents figured him out toward the end of the season. He's big and can be a force in the running game but he needs to step it up in the passing game. His teammates do respond to his leadership and that's a positive.

Purdue lost both their leading rusher (Akeem Hunt) and leading tackler (Landon Feichter) to graduation. Who will the Boilermakers be looking at to step up in their places?

Not only did Purdue lose Hunt, but [running back] Raheem Mostert as well. He was considered the fastest man in the Big Ten last year, based on what he did during track season. Hunt was a versatile option, playing in the backfield and he had the ability to lineup at receiver. Purdue doesn't have anybody similar to Hunt's skills right now, but receiver Danny Anthrop is the team's top playmaker and he's in position to have a big season. He missed the last month after suffering an ACL injury.

Defensively, Feichter was involved in nearly every play at the safety position, but you have to look at the middle linebacker spot to find one of the team's best players. Sophomore Ja'Whaun Bentley started all 12 games as a true freshman and has the physical makeup to become an All-Big Ten player in a year or two.

What names should Hokies fans familiarize themselves with on both sides of the ball in preparation for the September 19th match-up?

The starting quarterback — Appleby or Blough. Running back DJ Knox, who has the inside track at the No. 1 spot. Offensive line is difficult for fans to watch, but center Robert Kugler is one of the best in the league. His dad is the head coach at UTEP.

Jake Replogle at defensive tackle is expected to blossom as a junior, and keep an eye on tackle Ra'Zahn Howard. In the secondary, cornerbacks Frankie Williams and Anthony Brown are solid.

Who were the break-out performers of spring practices that could make an impact this coming season?

Knox had a nice spring and will give the running game a different dimension than Hunt and Mostert did last season. Offensive lineman Martesse Patterson has the inside track at the right guard spot. Receiver DeAngelo Yancey had a subpar sophomore season, but picked it up in the spring and should be a factor in the fall. Replogle was a strong force on the defensive line.

Previously in this series: Ohio State here.